Jessica’s story as told by Sharilyn Cano, her mother: One afternoon a young girl knocked on our door and told us that our daughter, Jessica had given her permission to pick three outfits out of her closet.  We were hesitant at first to let her in and called Jessica to find out the details.  Jessica explained to us, that this young girl was homeless and needed clothes and she could pick anything she wanted out of her closet.  This was not the first nor was it the last person to show up on our door step homeless or in need.  Jessica never thought twice about sharing what she had with those less fortunate than her.

Jessica Dianne Cano lost her life on February 18, 2009, in a tragic car accident.  As news of her death spread, our family was repeatedly contacted by people whose lives had been touched and changed by Jessica in similar ways – this became the legacy of her too-short life.  We were overwhelmed by the emotional and touching stories that were shared with us and after hearing them, we felt the best way to honor her memory would be to “open her closet” to all in need and follow her example of giving and caring.

We were excited to have found a partner in the Maslow Project as their mission of eliminating the barriers to success for young people, was a perfect fit with Jessica’s spirit of giving. Jessica was the fifth of our six children and her loss has been devastating, but continuing her legacy through Jessica’s Closet has become a wonderful way for us to remember her life and not her loss.